Meet our Directors!

Deborah Terras – CEO

Deborah is a JNC qualified youth and community worker and community educator, qualified PGCE Tutor and IQA Assessor.

 

Deborah has extensive experience in the strategic development of projects and organisations, both nationally and internationally, as well as enjoying working within communities and alongside young people to develop innovative projects through research, training and social action.

 

Deborah has over 25 years of youth and community work experience, developing one of the first Youth and community work Community Interest Companies in UK, coordinating the first young women’s IWD festival and Men’s IMD conference.

 

Deborah also co-facilitates the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Youth Pride Festival, alongside young people.

 

 

Jake Adams – COO

Jake is a social entrepreneur setting up his first business at the age of 14 and highly regarded in the business community. Jake has always been an advocate for the VCFS sector providing business and infrastructure support.

Jake was instrumental in setting up Blackpool Young People’s council, he represented Blackpool as a Member of Youth Parliament visiting places such as Canada and the Houses of Parliament to ensure that young people in Blackpool had a voice.

Jake is using this experience combined with his business acumen to support UYA.

 

Young Women’s Group

The International Women’s Day (IWD) Coastal Social action group are implementing those areas alongside partners from across the Fylde. They have their own podcast channel and some are #iWill Ambassadors.

The group have developed key partnership with peers and youth workers across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and created a Four Nations consortium, developing key learning networks and a Four Nations annual event, where young women come together to create meaningful change.

 

What the girls have been up to in the last 18 months:

• IWD Festival Stranraer, Scotland
• #iWill Ambassadors
• Love, Fylde Podcast Creation
• Labour Conference
• Pier to Peer: A Seaside Sisterhood Documentary
• BBC North West
• Women’s Hour
• Democracy Cafe
• Youth Council
• IWD Festival Newport, Wales
• Houses of Parliament Trip
• Blackpool Youth Hack
• Five Live

 

Houses of Parliament Trip

 

Olivia reports on her trip to London, along with other members of the group, to present their findings about the ‘State of Girls’ Rights’ to MPs, as a part of their work with Plan International.

 

After 2 trains, a tube and a Greggs for lunch, we arrived at the small youth hostel at around 1pm where we met up with other members of Plan International from London, Scotland, and Great Yarmouth who had their own workshop in Parliament. After icebreakers, food, and practising our activities on others, we went to our rooms and unpacked.

 

Then it was time to go into Parliament. The security was as if we were in an airport: we had to bring identification, get our bags checked and go through a scanner just to enter the building. We were led to a room on the second floor, jaws already dropped from the brilliant artwork placed on the wall, where we set up for our workshop.

 

The girls from Blackpool’s workshop were focused on safety, especially on transport, so we created a small-town map, with stickers placed on top of problems a woman could face when taking public transport. These problems were: lack of lighting, lack of security cameras, harassment, poverty, rowdy crowds, intoxicated people, lack of faith in transport.

 

We were greeted by Lorraine Beavers and Chris Webb, both MPs from Blackpool, who showed their support in attending the event. Overall, I thought this event was truly impactful as we tried to make the most out this experience which could improve our future.

 

We were then offered a tour of the Houses of Parliament from MP Sam Rushworth (the Labour MP representing Bishop Auckland) and we obviously couldn’t say no! So, we were led to an underground tunnel with marble statues lined up the sides, which matched the marble walls and ceiling.

 

Each part of the building had some interesting history to it. For example, a statue with the name Falkland engraved on to it had a scuff mark on the shoe from when a suffragette had chained herself to it in protest, and the only way she could be removed was by forcefully breaking the chain. Everywhere you looked there was something to fix your glance upon, even the ceilings had faces, foliage and dragons carved into it; the room looked like it came from a fairytale.

 

After our exploration, we left Parliament, said goodbye to Sam Rushworth, thanked him for the tour and headed into Piccadilly Circus for a late night snack!

 

BBC Five Live

Evie and Tilly took a trip to Media City in Manchester where they had the opportunity to be involved in a focus group, hosted by the BBC, for their Teen Takeover Week in order to get feedback from teenagers about the issues and concerns they have in today’s society.

 

The questions posed during the feedback sessions stood out to the girls as fresh and unique compared to other sessions they had attended. They appreciated the genuine inquiries into pressing issues faced by young people today.

 

Some prevalent comments were:

• The overall dislike and distrust of Artificial Intelligence and its environmental impact
• Environmental concerns
• Gender issues, specifically the feelings they all had over the supreme court ruling around transgender rights and the frustrations the young people had regarding this
• The upset and worry over the genocide happening in Gaza and feeling helpless to do anything as the powers at be don’t seem to care.
•  

The girls valued the respectful and honest exchange of views, which contributed to a balanced and mature discussion on important topics. This created a safe space for open dialogue, without judgement or conflict, something they found refreshing, as well as inviting young people of all backgrounds and experiences to be involved in the group.

 

In the Blue Room, Evie enjoyed the session led by a passionate facilitator who highlighted the benefits of AI. He encouraged critical discussion and provided valuable education on online safety and privacy, which Evie found particularly useful for life lessons and general online safety. However, she suggested that the Blue Room session could have included more discussion on the dangers of AI without needing prompts from the participants. Additionally, she felt that the environmental impact of AI, a concern frequently raised by the young attendees, was not adequately addressed and seemed to be overlooked.

 

Overall, the girls felt the day was well-organised, with a well-paced schedule that allowed participants to engage fully without feeling rushed. They also appreciated the quality of the food and the thoughtful setup of the event.

 

Young Men’s Group

 

 

The ‘What About the Boys’ Social Action Group is dedicated to enhancing young men’s mental health and wellbeing. By raising awareness of this critical issue, the group aims to reduce stigma and challenge negative stereotypes associated with mental health difficulties. Comprised of passionate individuals who draw from personal experiences, the group is committed to creating positive social spaces that are more accessible for young men, fostering an environment where they can openly discuss their feelings and seek support.

 

What we have been up to in the last 12 months:

• International Men’s Day Conference 2024
• Roundtable discussions around key themes to do with men’s mental health
• Working towards young men’s leadership progression
• Young Men’s Podcast (Due for release in November 2025!)

 

LGBTQ+ Group

UYA have worked in partnership with Blackpool Pride and the community to co-design Youth Pride.

 

In 2024, UYA created the LGBTQ+ group to take forward young people voices to create positive change in their communities.

 

We know that young people and communities benefit when you feel valued, engaged and involved.

 

This group is exploring how social action can provide a greater sense of community and boost social cohesion and integration.

The group continue to develop the annual Youth Pride events and educate organisations around the need for equality and to make that change.

 

In 2023 UYA were commissioned by Blackpool Council to co-create a survey with young people to identified the key issues which mattered to them and offer solutions to the gaps in services and opportunities.

 

Youth Pride

What an extraordinary day it was at the Pride event, starting at the vibrant Sandcastle Water Park! The atmosphere was electric as we gathered, bursting with excitement and anticipation. Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm smiles and handed our wristbands, each one a symbol of unity and support. In addition to the wristbands, we received colourful trans flags and eye-catching posters, all of which added to the festive spirit.

 

With the sound of laughter and joy surrounding us, we proudly set off on our journey from South Pier to North Pier. Walking alongside the incomparable MP Chris Webb, who carried his magnificent rainbow umbrella, we felt a profound sense of belonging. The air was filled with camaraderie as we marched with pride, celebrating the incredible community that binds us all together.

 

Upon reaching North Pier, our first stop was the Youth Pride tent, where we were met with an array of delightful activities provided by the Boat House and UYA. Inside the tent, laughter resonated as children and adults alike relished in face painting, badge making, and hair braiding. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of live music from the Haven Cast, DJ Humps, and the talented Imogen Evans.

 

Venturing outside, we discovered games galore! From archery to various ball games and board games, there was no shortage of entertainment. Although the skies opened up, and rain poured down, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits. The vibrant enthusiasm of everyone involved ensured that we pressed on undeterred, embracing the moment with fervour.

 

All in all, the Pride event was a fantastic celebration of love, acceptance, and community spirit. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and unforgettable memories, reminding us all of the beauty in diversity.

 

Blackpool Hack

The inaugural Deliver You Hack, hosted by the United Youth Alliance in Blackpool, was an electrifying event that brought together young people from Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde. This vibrant gathering aimed to identify challenges faced by the youth and collaboratively create meaningful solutions, ensuring their voices were heard loud and clear. The launch was a resounding success, fuelled by 100 delicious chippy teas, 1,000 post-it notes, and 20 flipcharts, epitomising a creative and dynamic atmosphere.

 

This event marks a significant stride in the Deliver You Campaign, following insights garnered from the National Youth Survey. Thousands of young people across England have already ‘placed their orders’ with the Government to shape a National Youth Strategy designed to confront the issues impacting their generation. With a focus on empowerment, the strategy seeks to enhance youth-centric services and reject a one-size-fits-all approach, giving young people a genuine platform to influence the future of their communities.

 

The Deliver You Hacks play a crucial role in this campaign. These youth-led workshops are tailored to collaborate on innovative solutions to the key priorities identified in the Deliver You survey. Following the success in Blackpool on Tuesday, 2nd April, six regional Hacks are set to take place across cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham, fostering unity, collaboration, and change among young people.

 

The Power of Youth Day

In a world where young voices are increasingly recognised as powerful agents of change, #PowerOfYouthDay shines brightly as a celebration of the impact and potential within the younger generation. Organised by the inspiring #iWill Movement, this day is not just a celebration; it’s a vibrant call to action! Set for Tuesday, 3rd June, during Volunteers’ Week, we encourage individuals and businesses alike to unite in acknowledging, empowering, and creating opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow.

 

This year, let’s reflect on the significant difference we can make in uplifting young people. By signing the Power of Youth Charter, we commit to being a guiding force, a mentor, or a vital support system that every young person deserves.

 

Join us in this movement and be a part of a collective effort to be the change we wish to see. Together, let’s harness the remarkable energy of youth and pave the way for a brighter future!

 

Scan the QR Code to see how you can get involved!

 

Engaging Dads

Over the past two years, UYA has co-developed a training package with dads, enabling them to share their stories and act as consultants for change. UYA has facilitated and delivered training sessions with dads to practitioners in Blackpool, ensuring that dads’ voices are heard and meaningfully included in service development.

 

Practitioners highlighted individual takeaways from these sessions that will positively shape their practice, organisational cultures, and policy approaches to better support dads — ultimately improving outcomes for children’s growth and development.

 

In addition, UYA has developed an online training course for the Blackpool workforce as part of the town’s workforce development programme. This course serves as an accessible introduction to engaging and supporting dads effectively, helping practitioners navigate and break down barriers to father involvement.